Many of you have been enjoying all the art that has been submitted for my upcoming Doctor Who book, 'The Unofficial Doctor Who Companion'! One of the recent submissions (Jon Pertwee or Doctor Number Three) was done by artist Dan MacKinnon.

But the big news is his first graphic novel, 'The Merciful'! Written by two writers from Toronto; Adam Jack and Kyle McEwan, you will be amazed at Dan's incredibly moody and quite beautiful art. This book is the results of a successful Kickstarter campaign.

"The story is set in a future where mankind has suffered war, plague, and almost total collapse", Dan tells Secret identity. "The book follows a cast of characters trying to make things right in a world gone wrong."

But for the Nova Scotia native, it's his upcoming appearance at the Victoria Comic Book Expo in Victoria, BC in Canada happening November 24th. The nerves are there but Dan is ready!

"I'll be selling the book, prints of lots of other work, including fantasy and sci-fi stuff!"

So if you are heading to the Victoria Comic Book Expo, grab me a shirt and stop by and say hi to Dan!

This Wednesday, Mark Waid and Dean Haspiel's take on The Fox debuts under Archie's Red Circle imprint.

The folks over at Archie have put together a very timely promo, captialising on the current internet sensation that is Ylvis' 'What Does the Fox Say?' song. Check it out, and then check out the book in stores this week.

Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting, the award-winning and bestselling team behind the smash-hit Captain America: The Death of Captain America and Captain America: The Winter Soldier, have reunited at Image Comics on VELVET, a hard-hitting espionage comic set during the height of the Cold War and international gamesmanship.

VELVET #1, has sold out at the distributor and will be going back to press for a second printing to meet demand.The fans have already spoken about this highly-anticipated reunion between Epting and Brubaker, and the press shares their enthusiasm:

"An intoxicating debut, Velvet is required reading for anyone with a fondness for cheap spy novels and period-piece espionage; for everyone comfortable at the dark end of the street."-John Parker, ComicsAlliance

“Velvet #1 is Ed Brubaker doing what he does best: dark, thrillers with a noir vibe. With the help of his Captain America and Winter Soldier artist Steve Epting, Velvet is poised to be a fantastic new book”-Kelly Thompson, Comic Book Resources"Velvet truly does feel like both of these guys at the top of their game doing a series perfectly crafted to each of their artistic strengths."-Ian Stephen, All-Comic

"Brubaker and Epting have shown us time and time again that they make a fantastic team–you’ve likely seen their excellent Captain America work–but this is truly something else."-Matt LeMaire, The MacGuffin

"Steve Epting's art here is evidence why I'm so fond of him as an artist. He jumps right in and captures the feel of the time period perfectly. Combined with Elizabeth Breitweiser's colors, this book is a visual feast."-Tony Guerrero, ComicVine

"A brilliant start to a series I am over the moon to see on the stands, Velvet #1 is yet another masterpiece waiting to happen from the hands of Brubaker and Epting."-Matthew Santori-Griffith, Comicosity

VELVET #1 may still be on sale at your local retailer while supplies last. In addition, VELVET #1 is available digitally on the Image website (imagecomics.com) and the official Image Comics iOS app, as well as on Comixology on the web (comixology.com), iOS, and Android.

The second printing of VELVET #1 will be in stores on 11/20 and can be pre-ordered now using Diamond Code SEP138207.

VELVET #2 releases on 11/20 and can be pre-ordered now with Diamond Code SEP130646. Retailers should verify their orders on Velvet #2 to meet anticipated demand as the series already has impressed fans and critics worldwide.

I am beyond excited to announce that my new horror novel Lovecraft's Curse is available in digital and print!This story is not only an homage to the greatest horror writer of all time, but the beginning of a new series set in the world of the Parted Veil.Here's the skinny:

A horrific childhood incident cast a shadow over Fela Barton’s life for fourteen years. Now a 20-year-old college student, Fela survived her first semester of living on campus and is finally ready put the past behind her.

Until the nightmares start again. Fela’s dreams hold the key to the madness that has plagued her family for generations. But as she searches for answers, a terrible evil gets closer to finding her. Only one person can help Fela now--and he’s been dead for over 70 years.You can get the digital versions of Lovecraft's Curse for $3.99!

The non-profit Inkwell Awards cap off their 2013 convention tour with their return to the sophomore year of the Rhode Island Comic Con in Providence on November 2-3. The group continues its goal to promote the art of comic-book inking and educate the public about what inkers do. "A reappearance was a no-brainer!" said Founder and Director Bob Almond. "Thanks to the support and reception we've received from promoter Steve Perry and his staff, and of course the enthusiastic reception by the fans last year." Almond and crew, including artist and Inkwells assistant director Mike Kellar, will be in attendance both days. Making her first appearance at RICC will be their famous spokesmodel, Ms. Inkwell. She'll be portrayed by local New Bedford, MA model, Anna White. "Ms. Inkwell can't wait to meet with pros and fans alike," Almond said. "Whether greeting creators in artists alley or taking photos with fans for donations, everyone enjoys it." Almond said he'll have the IA's full line of materials available for donations, including every book we've ever produced, all signed and numbered limited editions, various t-shirt designs, signed Ms. Inkwell photo and art prints, and several pieces donated from the creative community. "Many popular artists who contributed our book cover art will be in artists alley to sign them, including Craig Rousseau, Joe Rubenstein and Inkwell ambassador Mike McKone." The group also has a raffle scheduled on Saturday to win a 30X40 painting of the multi-talented, Oscar-nominated filmmaker, David Lynch, by artist Ken Bastard. Almond concluded, "The Rhode Island Comic Con values and supports ink artists which is why there's several notable inkers on the guest list. I encourage attendees to drop on by and show them some love and appreciation."For more updates and info, head over to www.inkwellawards.com.

I have become so encouraged and motivated by my artistic friends who have helped me with my latest book project, 'The Unofficial Doctor Who Companion'!

When I first started this thing i thought how cool it would be to have some of my artist friends each do a sketch, in their own style, of a particular Doctor. As I begin The Third Doctor, I was floored by artist / friend / listener to the show Dan MacKinnon who got me motivated to write Jon Pertwee's run as the Doctor. In fact, here is all i have so far with links to the awesome folks.

First up is a short story called Private Showing. Here's a quick teaser:

Something about the old colonial on Sachem Street led Nita Young to contact the real estate agent as soon as it went on the market. But is she touring the house of her dreams, or reliving her worst nightmares?This short story provides an origin story for Nita Young, a character who appears in both Courting the King in Yellow and Lovecraft's Curse. The events of this story take place well before the events of Courting the King in Yellow, and no knowledge of that story is required to enjoy Private Showing.